Biodegradable water softeners and detergents

Detergents and dishwashing liquids contain dispersing and complexing agents, whose job is to soften water or otherwise enable better use of available water. Many of these additives are not biodegradable and persist in the environment for a long time, sometimes leaching into groundwater.

LANXESS has developed innovative biodegradable water softeners and other additives, part of its Baypure® product line, which are meant to be used in washing machines and dishwashers. Baypure envelops the calcium and magnesium ions dissolved in water, which can cause chalky limescale deposits, and keeps them suspended, preventing limescale deposits. It even softens existing scale. Applications include dissolving stubborn furring in drainage pipes, assisting oil extraction and preventing grayness in detergents. Baypure boasts excellent green credentials because it is biodegradable and much safer for the environment.